The Walter Sondheim Jr. Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Internship Program (SNLP) offers an immersive summer experience for college juniors, seniors, and graduate students attending Maryland institutions. This program connects students with meaningful opportunities in the nonprofit sector, equipping them with the skills and insights to lead and serve their communities.
- Real-World Impact: Work closely with senior-level mentors on substantive projects aligned with your academic and career interests. Tasks may include attending board meetings, developing marketing campaigns, coordinating summer programs, and writing grants.
- Skill Development: Build essential skills in nonprofit management, including leadership, program evaluation, equitable decision-making, and effective communication.
- Sector Knowledge: Participate in weekly seminars that delve into the unique challenges and rewards of nonprofit leadership, offering valuable insights into the sector’s purpose and operations.
- Hands-On Projects: Take part in impactful initiatives such as evaluating policies or programs through an equity lens and presenting findings to your host organization. These experiences will deepen your understanding of the nonprofit sector’s mission to serve people.
- Financial Support: Interns receive a stipend of up to $5,000, ensuring the program remains accessible to Maryland’s most promising students.
Components of the SNLP Program
- Fellows are placed at a nonprofit organization full-time, 4 days a week, under the mentorship of a senior-level professional for eleven weeks during the summer
- Fellows attend an orientation and weekly seminars to strengthen their understanding of the functions of nonprofits and examining community needs and social challenges and participate in reflection activities
- Fellows attend meetings, events, field trips, and networking opportunities to connect with Maryland’s leaders
- Fellows engage in a multi-step reflection process which explores their own relationship to social justice and equity
- Fellows work together in groups to put their knowledge and skills into practice, researching a challenge impacting Maryland and design an innovative way to address the challenge (view recent projects here)
- Rising Junior or Senior, or current graduate student in the summer of participation. Please note: if you are currently a sophomore, you are eligible if you will be a Junior in the upcoming summer
- Attending a Maryland institution OR a current Maryland resident attending an out-of-state institution
- GPA 2.7 or above
- Available May 27 – August 8, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
- Students must have the ability to potentially be in Central Maryland 2-3 days a week
SNLP is more than an internship—it’s a pathway to leadership in the nonprofit sector. By working directly with experienced professionals and participating in tailored learning opportunities, students gain a well-rounded understanding of how nonprofits operate and the vital role they play in communities. Whether you’re passionate about social impact, community development, or nonprofit management, SNLP provides the tools and experience to make a difference.
Take the next step in your journey toward nonprofit leadership. Join SNLP and discover how you can create meaningful change in Maryland and beyond.
Apply to be part of SNLP Summer 2025
For more information, view our FAQs or email publicservicescholars@umbc.edu
MEET PAST SNLP FELLOWS
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For more information, view our FAQs or email publicservicescholars@umbc.edu
